My brain needed this today. Something familiar, with enough substance to keep me engaged but not so complex that it would fight for space amongst the buffering processing of Onyx Storm. This book turns to the story of Orpheus, Eurydice and Charon and gives it the usual magic Katee Robert spicy retelling treatment. And it's a hot one!

The dynamics here work really well; this feels like it strikes a perfect balance between the standalone plot and the development of the series arc, and all of the characters have been introduced previously, so there's no need for set ups and introductions to get in the way of the story. It drops a big revelation but still leaves you with questions, and it starts the build towards the ultimate climax of the series without leaving you on tenterhooks. 

As is usual for the author, the story doesn't span that long a time frame and the pace does move quickly to reflect that, but there are plenty of moments where everything slows down to prolong your pleasure. The scenes where our three main characters take the time to talk to one another settles them into what feels like a more natural relationship than some of the others in the series, even if the timescale does seem to take them from 0-100mph in 3.5 seconds. This also has the appeal of making things feel incredibly domestic, despite the underlying tension and juxtaposing action scenes worthy of any Michael Bay movie (or, at least, that's what I'm seeing in my head). 

All of the author's books are a banner for diversity and representation, but it feels particularly prevalent in this one. People of different races, sexual orientations, relationship statuses and genders are all in evidence, and the author is diligent at making sure the reader knows exactly what to picture when talking about any given character, and using a wide variety of pronouns to expand the world beyond the simple binary. I will admit to not being completely au fait with the less 'common' ones; if someone could educate me regarding if ze/zir and xe/xer denote different genders, both are the same just with different spellings, it's a 'dealers choice' kind of situation etc. I'd be most grateful - I'd like to picture those character in the right way!

Charon was definitely my favourite character here - quiet and brooding, yet thoughtful, kind and considerate, whilst also being a BAMF when called upon. It's a great mix of character traits that brings him vividly to life in my imagination. It makes him a great foil to Eurydice, whose developing character is in full evidence. She still comes across as a little immature in places, but nevertheless seeing her step out from behind her sisters' shadows and stand on her own two feet feels like more growth than we've seen from other characters in the series to date. The same can be said for Orpheus; his willingness to atone for his previous poor treatment of Eurydice allows the reader to experience both the sweetness of his deferral to both Eurydice and Charon and see him start to deal with his own demons. 

Plus, there's plenty of Hades and Persephone in this book too! It's not about them, but still love their partnership!!!